Nehebkau (also spelled Nehebu-Kau) was the primordial snake god in ancient Egyptian mythology. Although originally considered an evil spirit, he later functions as a funerary god associated with the afterlife. As one of the forty-two assessors of Ma'at, Nehebkau was believed to judge the deceased after death and provide their souls with ka – the part of the soul that distinguished the living from the dead.
Nehebkau was ultimately considered a powerful, benevolent and protective deity. In late mythology, he is described as a companion of the sun god Ra and an attendant of the deceased King. As he is so closely associated with the sun god, his name was evoked in magical spells for protection. His festival was widely celebrated throughout the Middle and New Kingdoms.
Name
Nehebkau's name – also spelled Neheb-Kau and Nhb-K3w – has been translated in many ways by Egyptologists. These translations include: "that which gives Ka"; "collector of souls";
Mythology
thumb|left|Nehebkau with a falcon-head presents an [[Eye of Horus to Min. Based on depictions in various hypocephali.]]Nehebkau is the "original snake" of Egyptian mythology, and was believed to be both an ancient and eternal god. Nehebkau first appears in the Pyramid Texts, In this position, he became increasingly powerful and important, eventually assuming Re's role as a King of The Sky.
When a deceased spirit enters the afterlife in Ancient Egyptian mythology, the most important stage is their trial in the Court of Maat,
Attendant of Re
After he was subdued by Atum, Nehebkau was characterised as benevolent, beautiful and peaceful. and bestowing crowns, ka and other desirable qualities upon the spirits of the deceased.
Additionally, as a visiting god of Heliopolis and an ancient deity, Nehebkau was often associated with Atum: the creator god who calms his chaotic nature. He is also commonly depicted as a falcon headed snake with human arms and legs and an erect penis, depicted as such in multiple hypocephali.
However, early texts and mythologies usually represented Nehebkau as a full serpent In one artifact from Heliopolis, he appears as an eight headed snake. on the first day of the first month of the winter season The festival is believed by researcher Sharon LaBorde to have been a feast celebrating redemption and rebirth; potentially associated with the lion goddess Sekhmet.
References
Further reading
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